Lt. Governor Casey Cagle spoke to nearly 400 Business and Transportation leaders today during the Get Georgia Moving Coalition luncheon. Cagle addressed recent progress on a new TSPLOST proposal and other transportation initiatives.

"Finding a long-term transportation solution is going to take a concentrated effort from everyone involved in the process. And I have been extremely encouraged with the progress that has been made since we last met with the Get Georgia Moving Coalition in August. As someone who is very supportive of the TSPLOST concept, I felt it was vital that the business community reach consensus among themselves and with the legislature before session convenes in January.

"It appears that the newest version of the plan has pretty broad support and the interest of the Senate and House as well. If we can reach consensus within the next few weeks and expedite the process, the Senate will introduce this bill the first day of session and consider it the first week of session. Certainly there are still details to be worked through, but I am committed to this process, and encouraged by the substantial progress that has been made and look forward to the outcome," said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.

Cagle also emphasized that we have to find an effective process for bringing private capital into our state for infrastructure investments. While TSPLOST provides a sustainable source of revenue, especially if it is spent wisely and integrated into an overall strategy, we should still work to tap into the $185 billion in private capital available for transportation investment. Cagle has called for a strategic focus on Public-Private Partnerships and to make sure that the state has a process in place to get projects delivered. He also is focused on taking a hard look at the structural issues with transportation policy in our state and recognizes the need for an increased emphasis on transit for metro Atlanta.